Kobe or Garnett? Bulls may have to pass

Paul Ladewski

Tuesday

Jun 26, 2007 at 12:01 AMJun 26, 2007 at 1:42 AM

Chicago Bulls draft preview.

For years, Bulls general manager John Paxson lamented the dearth of franchise players who could elevate his starless team to the next level.
But even though perennial Most Valuable Player candidates Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett may be available now, Paxson has no interest in either one if it means significant changes to the current nucleus.
"I put myself in the other person's position when I talk about deals," Paxson said at the Deerfield practice facility Monday afternoon. "Unless that franchise had a change of heart and had to do something, what we would have to give up — I don't know how that would work for us.
"(The Los Angeles Lakers) have maybe the top talent in the league, definitely one of the top three," Paxson said in reference to Bryant, who is believed to have Chicago at the top of his list of desired destinations. "So what we would have to do to get there, I don't know what it would be. But it would be significant, and then, would we be better? That's what you have to ask yourself."
Any such deal would certainly include a combination of forward Luol Deng, guards Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich, at least one other player and a first-round draft pick.
Paxson also has a mandate from team owners to stay under the luxury tax threshold, a task that would be far more difficult with Bryant on the roster.
Paxson said he had not spoken with the Lakers or the Minnesota Timberwolves about a trade for either player.
"It's not worth commenting on," Paxson said. "There's nothing going on. That's just the reality of it."
Three days in advance of the draft, Paxson was certain of only this much: "If (Greg) Oden or (Kevin) Durant is there, we'll take him."
Oden and Durant are expected to be off the board when the Bulls select ninth overall in Round 1. The Bulls also have two picks (49th and 51st) in the second round.
"A lot of things could happen," Paxson said. "I mean, every draft it seems that somebody is there that you don't expect to be there. We've made a lot of headway to narrow the field down, but the way my mind works, it's still a decision that won't be made until I have to make it."
In the event no trade is made, Paxson said "four or five" candidates would be considered.
"Ideally, we would like to find a guy who can contribute," Paxson said. "That would be the perfect scenario, but it's not a necessity."
While Paxson said he is prepared to stay put at the ninth pick, he wouldn't rule out the possibility the pick will be moved.
"Right now, I approach it like we'll have the pick and use it on Thursday night," Paxson said. "Any talks I've had about the pick haven't gone anywhere. They're kind of on the surface level. Unless I think it improves the team, I won't do it.
"As I've learned, a lot can happen in the next two or three days.
“I do expect that, as teams get closer (to the draft), they may want to get in the top 10 or 12, and maybe something will happen. At this point, it hasn't presented itself — not anything of substance — but it could happen."
The No. 9 selection could be used to trade down in the order for a lesser pick and a veteran player.
The first-round pick also could be packaged with another player, most likely guard Chris Duhon, who is the most expendable veteran on the roster at this time. Duhon has one season left on his contract.
"If we take the guy that we like the best, there may come something after July 1 that opens up for us," Paxson said. "If we're even stronger at a certain position, then it may allow us to move that piece or whatever."
An inside scorer remains a top priority, but Paxson said he would consider other players because the draft offers depth, especially at the wing positions.
"I know we have a need for a big, but if there's a player we like better, I don't know why we would pass on that guy," Paxson said.
For more Bulls coverage, go to www.dailysouthtown.com/sports.

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